New twist in ICAC inquiry that sparked Gladys Berejiklian’s resignation

There has been a new development in the anti-corruption inquiry that led to former NSW premier Gladys Berejiklian resigning.

The commissioner overseeing the anti-corruption inquiry that led to former NSW premier Gladys Berejiklian resigning has been given more time to finish the report.

Ruth McColl SC was due to leave the NSW Independent Commission Against Corruption at the end of the month.

“Ms McColl’s services are required for the purposes of her finalising the Operation Keppel report, including participating in the review and editing processes of that report,” a statement on Friday read.

“The commission is conscious of its obligations ... to furnish investigation reports as soon as possible after it has concluded its involvement in a matter.

“The commission will not be making further comment at this stage.”

Operation Keppel was launched in 2020 to probe the dealings of former Wagga Wagga MP Darryl Maguire and was extended to investigate Ms Berejiklian after it was revealed the pair had a secret relationship.

Gladys Berejiklian was grilled during the inquiry about her relationship with former partner Daryl Maguire.

Although the investigation was made public in 2020, ICAC operatives had been monitoring Mr Maguire since at least 2018.

The ICAC examined whether Ms Berejiklian breached the public’s trust in the course of her tryst with Mr Maguire.

Allegations put to her included that she failed to report Mr Maguire’s allegedly corrupt behaviour to authorities, she “encouraged” it by remaining silent, and she had a conflict of interest when she used her power as treasurer and premier to deal with money requests by the MP.

In recorded phone calls between the pair played for the commission, Ms Berejiklian was heard vowing to “throw money” at Mr Maguire’s electorate after he retired from politics.

ICAC also heard from other NSW ministers and staffers in Ms Berejiklian’s office.

Ms Berejiklian resigned as premier in October 2021 and now works for Optus.

Originally published as New twist in ICAC inquiry that sparked Gladys Berejiklian’s resignation